Our goal is to understand the biophysical drivers that lead to neutrophil activation and chromatin decondensation. In collaboration with the Kruss Laboratory (Department of Physical Chemistry, Bochum), we are using innovative imaging techniques such as STED microscopy, AFM, and live-cell imaging to elucidate the fascinating process of NET formation.

Further information: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06263-5

We use mouse models and human samples to understand the role of the innate immune system, particularly neutrophils, in chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, urticaria, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

We use nanosensor-based probes that fluoresce in the near-infrared (nIR) to detect small mediators of intercellular communication. In addition, we are developing affordable and practical high-resolution microscopy methods in the form of expansion microscopy for evaluating neutrophil morphology.